6V92 GOOD ENGINES???

[JD5652]

Here are some common problems I ran into on Ocean Yachts when I was doing my search and I think they are common across the board in the 44-48 ft range for a boat built in the mid to late 80's. FYI...once I narrowed it down to the point where I knew I wanted a 44 Ocean....I looked at 17 different Ocean 44 SuperSports ...it took me 8 months to find the right boat for me.....

(1) Soft foredeck - This usually develops from owners not maintaining the bow rail attachments/bedment. The screws loosen up on the bow rail and they are not tightened....then water gets under the fiberglass and soaks the underlying deck which is plywood. The water will then migrate from the foredeck down the gunnel to the covering boards. I have first hand expereince with this one.

(2) Leaky Salon Windows - This can range anywhere from just a tale-tale sign to a strong musty odor in the salon. One way to ID this is to looked at the area just below the salon window on the interior. If you see where the varish is worn off or discolored...most likely you have leaky salon windows. This is common on a mid-to-late 80's Ocean due to degradation of the sealant over 15-20 years. It will cost about $1500 to have both windows rebedded.

(3) Leaky Hatches - Look for mold or discoloration around the deck hatches in the heads and master state room. Relatively easy and cheap fix.

(4) Engine Heat Exchangers - This includes fuel coolers, oil coolers, aux oil coolers, transmission coolers and main engine heat exchangers. The main engine heat exchangers are the most costly to replace ($3K EACH) and the easiest to test. A simple pressure test (7-10 psi) at the filler cap will tell you if you have leaky tubes. If the heat exchangers have NEVER been replaced, they will need it on a Ocean this age. The normal life on this component is about 10 years...you may get a little more if it's been serviced (cleaned) properly. Fuel coolers are relatively inexpensive (~$125). Try to determine when the last time they were replaced. If you can't tell.....just replace them. Tranny coolers are easy to remove and inspect as they are located aft of the engine....just six mounting bolts and four hose clamps. These usually last forever if maintained properly. They should be removed and cleaned at a radiator shop on a bi-annual basis. Oil coolers are a PIA...however, if you get a leak in one of these then you contaminate your oil. Make sure they are tested or at least inspected (~$350 each to replace).

(5) Heat is the killer of the 671.....if the engine EVER exceeds 200 deg F, then this can cause major long lasting problems...including cracked head, burnt pistons, etc. That's why #3 above is so important. Have an engine surveyor go over the engine with a fine toothed comb to detect possible engine overheating issues. Look for signs of where coolant has overflowed into the bilge area....dead give away that the engine has overheating problems.

Just remember that when you're looking at a boat that's approaching 20 years old that not everything is going to be perfect...BUT.....try to avoid those items that can be expensive to repair. If you find these items during a survey and you REALLY LIKE the boat...then you can negotiate a reasonable discount on the selling price. However, the worst thing is not discover it during a survey and then have to repair it on your nickel shortly after the purchase.

Good luck!

[frankypettolina]

JD,

Good call on the leaks at the windows and the hatches, and the soft deck from stanchion leaks, problem was that I was thinking Ocean Yacht specific, not just boats in general. Most of the boats I look at that are more than a couple of years old run the risk of these problems.

As far as engine related issues, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE all of my pre-purchase clients to have a QUALIFIED mechanic look at the motors.

[capt. woodward]

As far as engine related issues, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE all of my pre-purchase clients to have a QUALIFIED mechanic look at the motors.

And, make sure the engines are cold for the inspection. Anytime the engines have been warmed up it's a sign of potential problems......

[33TROJAN]

Good call Capt.George...Thats a dead give away. Not going to fall for that one. LOL.

Jeff